Knight Foundry

Knight Foundry Knight Foundry, in Sutter Creek, CA, is one of America’s last water-powered foundry & machine shops

Knight Foundry, set in the heart of Sutter Creek, is America’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop. Established in 1873 by Samuel Knight, this extraordinary facility includes the unique historic equipment and machinery, still in place in its original context, just as it was during its gold rush-era heyday. Knight Foundry is nationally recognized as a National Historic Mechanical Engineerin

g Landmark and a California Registered Historical Landmark. The Foundry is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s eleven most endangered historic places.

Father's Day Fun Fact from the Knight Foundry Archives ⚒️Pictured here is Elbridge Post (1861–1929), who began his caree...
06/21/2026

Father's Day Fun Fact from the Knight Foundry Archives ⚒️

Pictured here is Elbridge Post (1861–1929), who began his career as an apprentice machinist before becoming a Master Machinist at Knight Foundry.

Born on the Post Ranch just east of the foundry, Elbridge dedicated his life to the trades and later spent 28 years as Master Machinist at Kennedy Mine, where he supervised construction of the famous Kennedy Tailing Wheels.

But perhaps one of his greatest legacies wasn't the machinery he helped build, it was the knowledge he passed on.

His son, Robert Post, also became a machinist at Knight Foundry. His grandson, Ed Arata, would go on to play an important role in the preservation and restoration of Knight Foundry, helping ensure its stories and craftsmanship would survive for future generations.

This Father's Day, we're reminded that the foundry wasn't just a workplace. It was a place where skills, traditions and pride in a job well done were passed from father to son, generation after generation.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, mentors and craftsmen who share their knowledge and inspire those who follow in their footsteps. ❤️

Step inside more than 150 years of California history. ⚒️Join us on Saturday, June 27 for our Fourth Saturday Self-Guide...
06/18/2026

Step inside more than 150 years of California history. ⚒️

Join us on Saturday, June 27 for our Fourth Saturday Self-Guided Tours and explore one of California’s last remaining water-powered foundries. Wander through the historic buildings, discover the machinery that helped build the West and learn about the men and craftsmanship that kept Knight Foundry operating for generations.

From the foundry floor to the machine shop, every corner of Knight Foundry tells a story of innovation, industry and community.

📍 Knight Foundry
81 Eureka Street, Sutter Creek

🕙 Self-Guided Tours
June 27 | 10 AM – 2 PM

🎟 Admission:
$15 Adults (18+)
$5 Students (5–17)
Free for children under 5 and Knight Foundry Alliance members

While you’re here, be sure to check out our upcoming blacksmithing classes and summer programs.
Come experience living history and see why Knight Foundry remains one of Sutter Creek’s most treasured landmarks.

Learn more, plan your visit or become a member at KnightFoundry.com.

June is National Safety Month and at Knight Foundry we’re taking a look at how safety practices have evolved over the ye...
06/16/2026

June is National Safety Month and at Knight Foundry we’re taking a look at how safety practices have evolved over the years.

This fascinating image from the archives appears to show protective eyewear and equipment stored within the foundry, a reminder that even generations ago, workers understood the importance of protecting themselves while working around machinery, heat and heavy materials.

Today, safety remains one of our highest priorities. From protective equipment and training to established procedures and worksite awareness, modern safety practices help us continue preserving this National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark for future generations.

Take a look through a couple of the other photos from iron pours that took place in the 1990s at the foundry. Any familiar faces? Let us know in the comments. ⚒️

At Knight Foundry, safety isn’t just a rule, it’s part of the craft. Whether you’re attending a blacksmithing class, par...
06/12/2026

At Knight Foundry, safety isn’t just a rule, it’s part of the craft. Whether you’re attending a blacksmithing class, participating in a workshop or exploring the foundry during a demonstration, safety helps ensure that everyone can enjoy and preserve these historic trades for generations to come.

In recognition of National Safety Month, we’re sharing five essential safety practices that help keep our foundry and blacksmith shop safe, educational and welcoming for all.

From wearing proper protective gear to respecting hot metal and listening to experienced instructors, every safe habit contributes to a stronger shop and a better learning experience.

Swipe through to learn more about how we make safety a priority at Knight Foundry. Interested in experiencing traditional blacksmithing or foundry work for yourself? Visit our website, stop by during one of our open days or sign up for an upcoming class to learn from our skilled volunteers and instructors.

The Men of the Foundry. The Machines They Built. The Legacy That Endures. Step inside one of California’s last remaining...
06/11/2026

The Men of the Foundry. The Machines They Built. The Legacy That Endures. Step inside one of California’s last remaining water-powered foundries and discover the people, craftsmanship and innovation that helped shape the Sierra foothills and beyond.

Join us this Saturday from 10 AM–3 PM for our Second Saturday Guided Tours at Knight Foundry. Explore historic machinery, hear the stories of the men who worked here and experience a living piece of California history through the eyes of our knowledgeable docents.
While you’re here, learn about upcoming blacksmithing classes and summer programs that continue the tradition of hands-on craftsmanship today.

📍 81 Eureka Street, Sutter Creek, CA
🎟 Admission: $15 Adults | $5 Youth (5–17) | Free for children under 5 and Knight Foundry Alliance members
No reservations required.

06/10/2026

Happy Birthday, Jacob! 🎉 Today we’re celebrating one of Knight Foundry’s dedicated volunteers, blacksmiths and stewards of history.

Jacob’s journey into blacksmithing began when he was just 11 years old, helping in the shop of a family friend and even crafting his own suit of armor as a teenager. Years later, he found his way to Knight Foundry through our blacksmithing classes and he’s been helping keep this historic craft alive ever since.

One of Jacob’s favorite things to share is that blacksmithing isn’t about brute strength, it’s about skill, patience and learning how to work with the metal. As he puts it, once the metal reaches the right temperature, it’s all about finesse.

When asked why he keeps coming back, even on his birthday, his answer was simple: “This is where everything began.” For Jacob, Knight Foundry represents the roots of the technology and craftsmanship that shaped our world and he considers it an honor to help preserve and share that history with future generations.
Please join us in wishing Jacob a very happy birthday and thanking him for the passion, knowledge and dedication he brings to Knight Foundry. 🎂⚒️

WOW! You all showed up. Our upcoming Veterans Knife Making Class at Knight Foundry is officially FULL and all spots have...
06/10/2026

WOW! You all showed up. Our upcoming Veterans Knife Making Class at Knight Foundry is officially FULL and all spots have been reserved.

We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and support from our veteran community and look forward to welcoming participants for a day of learning, craftsmanship and connection.

Missed this class? Don’t worry, we’re already planning future blacksmithing and metalworking opportunities.
📧 Interested in hearing about future classes and registration opportunities? Email [email protected] and ask to be added to our interest list.

Thank you to all who registered and thank you for your service. 🇺🇸

Step back in time and discover one of California’s most fascinating hidden treasures. ⚙️🏭 Located in the heart of Sutter...
06/08/2026

Step back in time and discover one of California’s most fascinating hidden treasures. ⚙️🏭 Located in the heart of Sutter Creek, Knight Foundry is America’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop, where the sights, sounds and stories of the Industrial Revolution are still alive today.

From massive historic machinery and working equipment to blacksmithing classes and hands-on demonstrations, every visit offers a glimpse into a remarkable piece of living history.

But don’t just take our word for it! Our visitors consistently describe Knight Foundry as one of the most interesting and memorable tours they’ve ever experienced.

Knight Foundry
81 Eureka Street
Sutter Creek, CA 95685

Open the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month
2nd Saturday: 10 AM–3 PM
4th Saturday: 10 AM–2 PM

Admission:
$15 Adults
$5 Students (Ages 5–17)
FREE for children under 5 and Knight Foundry Alliance members

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, machinery buff, maker or simply looking for a unique day trip, Knight Foundry is an experience you won’t forget. Plan your visit, bring a friend and see why visitors from around the world continue to be amazed by this one-of-a-kind historic landmark.

From Ireland to Washington, D.C., from New York to New Mexico and everywhere in between visitors traveled from across th...
06/07/2026

From Ireland to Washington, D.C., from New York to New Mexico and everywhere in between visitors traveled from across the country (and beyond!) to experience Knight Foundry this May 2026.

As we welcomed guests through our historic machine shop and foundry, one thing became clear: the story of industrial innovation, craftsmanship and preservation continues to connect people from all walks of life.

We’re honored to share this National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark with visitors from Oregon, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California and even Ireland. Every conversation, tour and visit helps keep this remarkable piece of history alive for future generations.

Thank you to everyone who made Knight Foundry part of their travels this past month. We look forward to welcoming many more curious minds and history enthusiasts through our doors.

81 Eureka Street, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
Open the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month
www.knightfoundry.com
209-560-6160

Plan your visit, bring a friend and come discover why people are traveling from all over to experience one of the last water-powered foundries and machine shops in America.

Knight Foundry is proud to offer a free Knife Making Class for Veterans, led by experienced blacksmith and instructor De...
06/06/2026

Knight Foundry is proud to offer a free Knife Making Class for Veterans, led by experienced blacksmith and instructor Dennis Tingle.

Spend the day learning traditional metalworking techniques, working at the forge and crafting your own handcrafted knife from start to finish all within the historic walls of Knight Foundry. Whether you’re new to blacksmithing or have experience working with metal, this class is designed to provide a welcoming space to learn, create and connect with fellow veterans.

Saturday, June 20
⏰ 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 Knight Foundry | 81 Eureka Street, Sutter Creek
🇺🇸 Free for Veterans

Space is limited and reservations are required.
📧 Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected] or call (707) 548-7556.

Address

81 Eureka Street
Sutter Creek, CA
95685

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